WaikatoLink

---

WaikatoLink Limited is the commercialisation and knowledge transfer office of the University of Waikato. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University, WaikatoLink works closely with academics and researchers to manage, protect and commercialise their intellectual property. Our core role is to support the development of new ideas and technologies, and contribute to knowledge dissemination by translating commercially-useful research into valuable products or services.

Commercialisation can be a valuable pathway for knowledge transfer. It makes leading-edge research relevant to society by allowing wider groups of people to benefit from new technologies and innovations. Academics and their faculties can also benefit from commercialising their research - commercial pathways can lead to continued research funding, growth of research teams, connections and partnerships with industry, and financial returns to inventors for successful commercialisation (see the University of Waikato’s Policy on Sharing of Benefits from Commercialisation of Intellectual Property for more information).

WaikatoLink provides services to University of Waikato academics and researchers for both commercially-oriented and research-oriented projects. Some of our key services are outlined below:

Market Intelligence

WaikatoLink can carry out market research and patent searching to support University projects. This can be useful in gaining insight into the market environment and answering questions such as:

• Who else is carrying out research in this area?
• Can this idea be patented?
• Are there any similar technologies already in the market?
• What companies might be interested in this technology?

Intellectual Property (IP) Management and Advice

WaikatoLink’s in-house legal team facilitate the University’s patent filings and manage the existing patent portfolio. Our team can also provide advice in many areas including: IP ownership, IP protection, contract negotiation and IP strategy development.

Business Development Support

WaikatoLink’s commercial team work closely with academics and researchers to develop business cases and project development plans to guide the strategic direction of their project, as well as securing investment from external sources.

Technology Development Support

Some commercially-focussed projects may be eligible for technical support to help progress technologies quickly. If your project is deemed eligible and resources are available, we can hire a student to work with you on technical developments.

Technology Marketing

Our commercial team can assist in promoting University research by helping develop the following materials: technology profiles, research posters, profiles of academics, videos and research group websites.

Industry Connections

WaikatoLink has strong regional, national and international networks that can be useful in providing relevant connections relating to your research field. The relationships built from these connections can potentially form the foundations for research collaborations, research contracts, industry partnerships and investment opportunities.

Commercialisation Funding

WaikatoLink has access to a number of commercialisation funding sources, which support technical, commercial and IP-related development. One such source is the PreSeed Accelerator Fund (PSAF), which is Government funding that is intended to support proof-of-concept or prototype development.

Commercialisation Workshops

WaikatoLink runs workshops throughout the year to discuss commercialisation, intellectual property and partnering. The following workshops will be offered in 2012:

• Commercialisation Workshop - Creating Value from innovation: A full-day workshop delivered by Nigel Slaughter, GM Commercial at WaikatoLink.
  
  Proposed dates for 2012:
  Thursday 14 June
  Thursday 25 October
  
  
• IP Awareness Seminar: A 2-hour seminar delivered by Jessica King, Commercial IP Manager at WaikatoLink.
  
  Proposed dates for 2012:
  Tuesday 17 April
  Wednesday 29 August

For more information, please contact Lisa vanden Berg (lvandenberg@waikatolink.co.nz)

If you would like any more information about WaikatoLink or any of our services, please visit our website or contact us directly:

Website: www.waikatolink.co.nz

Physical Address: Level 1, Core Facilities Building, Waikato Innovation Park, Ruakura Road, Hamilton. Phone: (07) 858 5172, Fax: (07) 857 0781.

The Hothouse

The HotHouse was established by WaikatoLink to enable the University of Waikato’s brightest students to apply their skills and knowledge to support WaikatoLink’s commercialisation projects. The HotHouse is responsible for carrying out early stage feasibility studies, market research, patent searching and technology development to support the commercialisation process.

The HotHouse employs senior students and graduates from various faculties including:

• Science and Engineering
• Management
• Computing and Mathematical Sciences
• Computer Graphic Design
• Law

Part-time employment with the HotHouse is a great opportunity for students to gain practical industry experience while they are studying. Recently, WaikatoLink has also hosted interns from the Waikato Management School, through a Management Internship course. If you are interested in opportunities with the HotHouse, please contact Bram Smith (bsmith@waikatolink.co.nz).